Enhanced aluminium roughing for aerospace

The KOR 5 solid-carbide end mill is Kennametal’s latest innovation in high-velocity aluminium roughing. Designed for maximum productivity in aerospace machining, the use of this five-flute end mill means that table feed rates can be increased by up to 66% compared with common three-flute tools.

Kennametal’s KOR 5 is aimed at removing large amounts of metal and getting it away from the work zone as quickly as possible. Design features include a tapered core, variable pitch design and a 35° helix to help eliminate chatter and tool deflection. The through-coolant tool also has a novel chip-splitter pattern that is designed to break up long chips and eliminate re-cutting, but still contribute to high surface quality.
KOR 5 has more active contact points than a two-fluted or three-fluted end mill, chiefly because the five-fluted cutter creates improved stability and eliminates chatter on even the heaviest cuts. Applying the tool with low radial engagement, but high depth of cut, results in much higher metal removal rates than traditional methods. And to assure predictable, zero pull-out performance at maximum feed rates, the KOR 5 is available with Safe-Lock shanks.
Thilo Mueller, manager for solid-carbide end milling, says: “Slotting, deep pocketing, dynamic milling – whatever your aluminium application – KOR 5 can do it faster.”
For further information www.kennametal.com

Latest drills from Guhring

The latest addition to Guhring’s hole-making portfolio is the RT100XF. Created to reduce cycle times for difficult-to-machine materials and special applications in series production, the hard drilling line is said to be extremely resilient to potential breakages.

This bold claim is based upon the carbide grade developed by Guhring for the RT100XF, which performs a balancing act between hardness and toughness. The special structure of the grade has a re-sharpening effect, so breakages that normally accelerate tool wear no longer occur. This effect is supplemented by the company’s existing nanoFire coating system, which has been created by a specially designed pre and post-treatment that smooths the coating and makes it significantly more robust.
RT100XF supports the robust performance of the carbide grade and surface treatment with an early double margin support that enhances coaxiality to deliver the desired bore size and roundness. The drill is suitable for holes from 5xD upwards.
In terms of design, support chamfers are included to ensure running smoothness, while polished flutes reduce heat input and support the fast evacuation of chips. Additionally, the point geometry is protected by a negative chamfer, which makes the cutting edge robust and durable. Rounded edge preparation on the RT100XF produces a stable and efficient cutting edge; this rounding is produced with micron precision, something made possible by Guhring’s manufacturing competence.
Regarding workpiece materials, the through-coolant drills are suitable for structural and case-hardened steels, free-cutting and heat-treated steels, titanium, Inconel, Nimonic, and Hastelloy.
Offered in 5xD and 7xD, the drills can be purchased in diameters from 3 to 20 mm diameter, in 0.1 mm increments. The series is also available in all common imperial dimensions.
For further information www.guhring.co.uk

Forgemasters wins big

Sheffield Forgemasters was awarded ‘Large Business of the Year’ at the Sheffield Business Awards earlier this month.

‘Large Business of the Year’ is presented to organisations employing over 100 full-time employees and/or reporting annual turnover of +£25m. The award goes to a business that has achieved consistent growth backed by a strong financial performance. This is reflective of the results Sheffield Forgemasters has achieved in recent years.
For further information www.sheffieldforgemasters.com

Sarginsons secures national prize

Sarginsons Industries has won the ‘Company Achievement Award’ at the Cast Metals Industry Awards, which was staged by the Cast Metals Federation (CMF) in Wolverhampton.

The ‘lightweighting’ specialist picked up ‘Component of the Year’ at the event in 2018 and went one better this time out after a successful 18 months. Sarginsons has made major investments to help grow and diversify the business into new markets, including creating the Sarginsons Technical Centre (STC), bringing in new technicians – including three degree apprentices – and developing the company’s headquarters.
For further information https://sarginsons.com/

Horn expands 3D milling system

In a joint sales co-operation with Boehlerit, Horn Cutting Tools has introduced to the UK market an expanded 3D milling programme for the tool and mould-making industry.

The ISO 00P is a universal tool system for general mechanical engineering and mould making. As the inserts are mounted in a neutral position in the tool holder, they ensure a high level of contouring accuracy. However, despite the neutral position, the edge geometry enables a soft cut to be achieved.
Boehlerit’s RhombiTec system is a universal finishing tool for all standard materials and applications. The indexable inserts demonstrate high manufacturing precision and long tool life, says the company. Of particular note, the axial and radial wiper geometry is said to ensure high productivity, good surface quality and vibration-free finishing, even at high depths of cut.
The BallTec and TorroTec milling systems are multi-functional tools for achieving high productivity. These systems allow users to save on tool holders, as the ball-nose copying tools are suitable for semi-finishing and finishing.
Additionally, Boehlerit offers a variety of indexable inserts and tool holders. The carbide shank with brazed insert seat provides vibration damping, resulting in high levels of surface quality on the workpiece. Inserts based on ultra-fine carbide ensure high wear resistance combined with elevated fracture resistance, which increases process reliability. All variants have an internal coolant supply.
For further information www.phorn.co.uk